List of tourist sites in central Uganda : The central part of Uganda consists of the Kampala city and other towns like Entebbe which can be visited during day tours around the country.
There are about 28 administrative sub regions which can be visited during tours around the central part of Uganda. Some of the tourists sites found in the central part of Uganda include the following;
- Ngamba island sanctuary
The Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary is located on an island on Lake Victoria and it is among the destinations in Uganda where chimpanzees can be seen.
The sanctuary provides a home for orphaned and abused chimpanzees and after these chimpanzees rescued, they are rehabilitated at Ngamba. The Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC) manages the Ngamba island sanctuary and looks after the chimpanzees.
There are about 50 chimpanzees found at the Ngamba island sanctuary which can be accessed by taking a boat ride on Lake Victoria. The chimpanzees are looked after in the sanctuary where tourists can watch them closely as they are being fed and as they play.
- Uganda Wildlife Education Center
The Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC) is located in Entebbe and is also referred to as the Entebbe zoo.
It was established in 1952 and different wildlife species found in Uganda can be seen during tours at the Uganda Wildlife Education Center. Some of these wildlife species include lions, giraffes, tigers, vervet monkeys, chimpanzees among others. The zoo is home to primates, carnivores, herbivores, reptiles and birds.
Some of the animals found at UWEC are rescued from different parts of the country and treated and taken care of. Activities that tourists take part in around the zoo include bird watching, Behind the scenes experience, being a keeper for a day and also chimpanzee close up experiences.
There are also different bird species which can be seen during tours around the Uganda Wildlife Education Center. Visitors are led by a guide during their visit to the zoo and there is also a beach where tourists can relax by the shores of Lake Victoria.
UWEC acts as a conservation and education facility in Uganda which provides its visitors with information on wildlife conservation, environmental education, and community outreach. The center can be visited by both adults and children.
- Uganda Museum
During tours around the central part of Uganda, tourists can also visit the Uganda museum which is located within Kampala city in Kamwokya.
The Uganda Museum is also the national museum of Uganda and was established in 1908. The museum showcases the rich cultural, historical, and natural heritage of the country.
When visiting the Uganda museum, tourists can enjoy seeing the different displays of ethnographic nature, archaeological items, traditional clothing and materials like bark cloth and also the traditional crafts and artifacts for different tribes around Uganda.
Adults and children can visit the Uganda museum during city tours around Kampala.
- Uganda national mosque
The Uganda national mosque is located in the Kampala city center and is also referred to as the Gadhafi mosque.
During tours in central Uganda, tourists can visit the Gahdafi mosque and enjoy its beautiful architectural design when visiting the place of worship for the Muslim community in capacity of about 10,000 worshippers.
Tourists are advised to dress decently when visiting the Uganda national mosque before enjoying a guided tour around the mosque which can go up to the rooftop where tourists can enjoy a 360 views of the city.
- Nakasero and Owino market
When visiting the central part of Uganda, tourists can enjoy visiting local markets such as Nakasero market, Owino market and also the Nakawa market.
The different markets in the central part of Uganda offer tourists a unique opportunity to learn about the different agricultural produce in Uganda, get to know about the trade system in Uganda, experience the local culture, sample traditional cuisine, and shop the different merchandise.
- Mabamba wetlands
The Mabamba wetlands are located on Lake Victoria and are the destination to visit for a chance to see the famous Shoebill Stork.
Many other bird species can be spotted during tours around the Mabamba wetlands and it is also considered an Important Birding Area (IBA) in Uganda. Some of the bird species found around the wetlands include Little Egret, Hamerkops, Yellow-Billed Duck, Black Crake, Blue-Headed Coucal, African Jacana, Purple Heron, Malachite Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, Black-headed Gonolek among others.
- Religious sites
There are many religious sites which can be visited during tours around the central part of Uganda and they include the Namirembe cathedral, Rubaga cathedral, Uganda martyrs shrine, Bahai temple, Kibuli mosque among others.
The Uganda martyrs shrine is a place to visit in remembrance of the Uganda martyrs who are celebrated every 3rd June for dying for their faith after bring killed by Kabaka Mwanga.
- Lubiri palace
The Lubiri palace is another place to visit during tours around the central part of Uganda and it is also known as the Mengo palace.
The palace is the official residence of the Kabaka Buganda and tours around the Lubiri can be done around the palace gardens and other buildings which have beautiful architecture as tourists get to know about the culture of the Baganda.
- Lake Victoria
When visiting the central part of Uganda, tourists can also engage in tours on Lake Victoria which is the largest lake found in the country.
Lake Victoria is shared between Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania and is among the best places for boat rides as tourists enjoy the calmness.
- Kalangala island
Kalangala Island is a beautiful island which is located on Lake Victoria, and it is a popular tourist destination known for its white sand beaches.
Tourists can get to the Kalangala island from Entebbe or from Bukakata landing site during tours around the central part of Uganda. Some of the activities which are done around the island include boat rides and beach walks.
The boat rides can be done in the morning or evening during tours on Kalangala island.